Considerations and Guidelines on Athletic Development for Youth Gaelic Athletic Association Players

Abstract

Youth athletic development is important for sports performance and most importantly for life-long participation in sport and physical activity. The physical development of children and adolescents must be considered when programming different bio-motor qualities of physical training. The Gaelic Athletic Association and participation in Gaelic sports is an integral part of children and adolescents' formative years in Ireland with clubs the focal point of both urban and rural communities. This article will offer practitioners an overview of how to progress athletic development, physical literacy, and motor skills for preparation from grassroots to elite intercounty representation. Traditional athletic development models will be discussed and additional considerations, the importance of coaching styles will also be discussed. Practical recommendations are suggested such as the athletic motor skills competencies (AMSC) model (Figure 4), a differentiated movement matrix based on the AMSC from a movement motor skill and strength-based perspective (Tables 3 and 4). Practical guidelines and considerations on how to integrate strength and resistance training throughout stages of athletic development are also provided (Figure 7). This article aims to provide practitioners with an iterative, pragmatic, and evidence-based approach in the athletic development of youth Gaelic sports players from grassroots to elite level participation.